SDG10: REDUCED INEQUALITIES
SDG 10 in the UAE: Reducing Inequalities
Overview of SDG 10 in the UAE
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has taken proactive measures to implement Sustainable Development Goal 10 (SDG 10), focusing on reducing inequalities within the country and promoting inclusivity across social, economic, and cultural dimensions. As the UAE grows as a global hub, its approach to SDG 10 addresses barriers that underrepresented groups face, such as those related to gender, disability, and economic background. The UAE government’s programs for marginalized groups aim to create a society where everyone can access equal opportunities.
Key initiatives under SDG 10 include policies and programs that empower women, support people of determination (persons with disabilities), and promote tolerance. For instance, the National Tolerance Program fosters social cohesion across diverse populations in the UAE. Meanwhile, the Emirates Council for Gender Balance advocates for equal gender representation across various sectors, setting targets for women in leadership and providing career support. Additionally, the UAE’s National Policy for Empowering People of Determination enhances accessibility and opportunities for individuals with disabilities, ensuring they can participate in education and the workforce. These programs work in tandem with regulations to prevent discrimination in the workplace, furthering SDG 10’s goal of creating a fair and inclusive society.
Al Ain University (AAU) and SDG 10: Fostering Inclusivity and Equality
Al Ain University (AAU) in the UAE has aligned its policies and campus initiatives with SDG 10, supporting equal opportunities for all students and staff. The university’s efforts include developing accessible infrastructure for individuals with disabilities, such as ramps, elevators, and designated facilities, ensuring all members can navigate the campus safely and independently. Additionally, AAU provides various scholarships and financial aid options to support students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds, enabling equal access to quality education.
The university also focuses on gender diversity and community engagement as part of its SDG 10 strategy. By partnering with local organizations, AAU extends learning and development programs to underrepresented communities, promoting educational empowerment beyond the university. Furthermore, the university’s commitment to inclusivity aligns with national goals, reflecting the UAE’s values of tolerance and equality across its academic and community engagement initiatives.
Conclusion
Both the UAE government and Al Ain University exemplify a strong commitment to SDG 10 by creating inclusive policies and programs aimed at supporting underrepresented groups. Through initiatives that remove barriers for marginalized communities, promote gender balance, and ensure accessible education, the UAE and AAU are advancing toward a more equitable and inclusive society in line with the objectives of SDG 10.
Non-Discrimination Policy
6. Academic Policy
6.1 Admission University
Admission General Requirements (Undergraduate Degree)
AAU student admission policy is based on the student’s academic achievements in the secondary school certificate or its equivalent, regardless of gender, ethnicity, religion, age, disability, or national origin. If, for any reason, documents presented by the applicant are deemed to be fraudulent, AAU reserves the right to expel the student without refund or prior notice.
The following are the general admission requirements. Applicants are required to:
1. Possess a secondary school certificate or its equivalent with a grade that fulfils the requirements of the desired specialization.
2. Possess a Foundation Year certificate if the grade average in the general secondary examination is less than %60;
3. Satisfy any additional admission requirements needed by the college
4. Hold a valid English Language Proficiency score of at least 500 in TOEFL ITP, or Band 5 in IELTS, or their equivalence. Applicants of the College of Communication and Media (Journalism - Advertising - Public Relations) must hold a valid English Language Proficiency score of at least 450 in TOEFL ITP, or Band 4.5 in IELTS, or their equivalence. On the other hand, applicants of the following specializations are exempt from this requirement: Arabic Language and Islamic Studies Teacher Education, Applied Sociology, Applied Psychology and Special Education.
5. Admission requirements for the Law Program:
a) Possess at least 70% in the Advanced Stream or 75% in the General Stream of the Emirati General Secondary Certificate, or its equivalence;
b) Achieves at least a grade of (1000) in the EmSAT Arabic test;
c) Achieves at least a grade of (950) in the EmSAT English test or its equivalence;
d) Passes the admission test administered by the College.
All documents submitted for admission purposes become the property of AAU and are not returned to the student.
Diversity In the University
AAU strongly believes diversity to be fundamental to academic excellence as the values of equal opportunity to access education are deeply-rooted in the UAE diverse community. Experience has shown that the more varied the backgrounds and perspectives of students and faculty, the richer the academic experience becomes.
For faculty and professional staff, diversity reinforces ties in the workplace leading to the ultimate success and realization of goals. Similarly, for students, learning in a diverse educational environment affords students the opportunity for personal growth, instils the values of mutual respect, and builds the spirit of teamwork leading to a generation of professionals who will be able to help build a closely-knit community.
Moreover, working towards the future requires raising a generation of professionals who are able to work in a diverse, pluralistic workplace, and who deal with others on the basis of contribution and character. To that end, AAU strives to create a healthy diverse atmosphere where students and faculty from all backgrounds and origins can positively interact and effectively contribute to the exchange of information and the flow of knowledge in a way that assists each and every one of them in the pursuit of their goals hence contributing to achieving the mission of AAU.
At AAU’s diverse learning environment, faculty and students come together in a welcoming and respectful setting that allows access to education for all and offers them the maximum opportunity for a culturally diverse experience.
Facilities Provided for Students of Determination (with special needs)
Al Ain University provides the following services and facilities for students of determination:
- Offering grants and financial assistance up to 50% of their registered fees; as per regulations implemented by the grant Committee Humanitarian Aid.
- Giving them the Priority in registration and assisting them in coordinating their schedules according to their conditions.
- Organize an orientation event for students of determination to introduce them to the University’s facilities such as: restaurants, clinic, library, Department of Finance, and the recreational facilities.
- Providing special parking for them.
- Guiding them to their lectures.
- Providing sign language interpreters.
- Assigning comfortable classrooms for them such as choosing classrooms on the first floor.
- Providing books and resources appropriate to their needs.
- Forming special examination committees for those whose condition requires this.
- Facilitating their participation in various events, exhibitions, and celebrations.
“Aman System” a transportation network for people of determination
Students of Al Ain University, Abu Dhabi Campus, participated in Future Innovations Exhibition, organized by the Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination. They showed their innovative projects that serve the people of determination and their engagement with the community, such as the “Helby” application, the “Smart Stick” that alert the blind from any barrier they face, and a swimming pool with a floating floor with special specifications that helps people with disabilities enjoy swimming without fear.
Dr. Nuha Hamada from the College of Engineering, participated in the discussion sessions by presenting her innovation “Aman System” is a safe transportation network that provides people of determination with the opportunity to request a car with specifications that suit the disability case with the possibility of adding a service to complete transactions through the smart application (AMAN). On the other hand, this network provides job opportunities for people of determination as drivers to suit disability. This innovation aims to integrate those of determination in society without restrictions.
The exhibition and discussion sessions had an active role in the exchange and development of creative ideas that aim to serve the people of determination. The innovations also received the approval and admiration of the Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination and the participating audience.
Distance learning for people of determination at Al Ain University
College of Education supports the blind people on the White Cane Day
On the occasion of the International White Cane Day, Ghayathi Center for care and rehabilitation affiliated to Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination, hosted, Dr. Salwa Al Majali, Director of Special Education and Applied Psychology Programs at Al Ain University, Abu Dhabi Campus, to present a virtual lecture entitled Psychosocial support for the families of the blind people.
Student Ali Al Meri, from the College of Education, Humanities and Social Sciences at Al Ain University, Abu Dhabi Campus, shared his experience of studying in Al Ain University, the facilities and services provided by the university to him and other blind students and people of determination in order to facilitate education and harness all their needs.
This lecture aimed to give psychological and moral support to the blind people and their families, as Dr. Al Majali confirmed that Al Ain University is keen to support and empower people of determination to help them with social integration, and ensure they obtain all their rights in an easy way.
Residence Halls
AAU provides students with appropriate dormitories that have all means of comfort and stability necessary to create a healthy atmosphere for studying. The tasks of the Dorms Unit include receiving new students, providing them with relevant advice and instructions, informing them of the dorms’ rules and regulations, their responsibilities, assisting students in resolving the problems they face, and following up special cases that require health care.
1. There are two dormitories; one for the female students, the other for the male students.
2. The dormitories can hold up to fifty students.
3. There are single, double, and triple rooms as well as rooms for six students.
4. The fees are nominal.
5. All security and housekeeping services are provided 24/7. 6. The dormitories are supervised by specialized staff.